Ministry Allots Major Investments For The Restoration Of Monuments In Mewar Circuit
Jyoti Koul /New Delhi

Tourism minister, Jagmohan on his recent three-day visit to Rajasthan has sanctioned significant funds for the development of monuments and other infrastructural facilities in the Mewar circuit, which consists of the Kumbhalgrah fort complex, Chittaurgrah fort complex and other sites related to Maharana Pratap and the Jain temples in the region.

Speaking to Express Travel & Tourism, (the outgoing) additional director general M K Khanna, who accompanied the tourism minister, on his visit, disclosed that, “The ministry at the Centre will be investing a significant amount in restoration of ASI protected monuments and Jain temples in the Mewar area. Alternatively, the state government of Rajasthan will be investing in other areas. The investment in these areas is about Rs 5-6 crore as sanctioned by the minister in separate projects.”

Impressed by the beauty and architecture of the fort, Jagmohan desires to set up a mini-office at the Badal Mahal in the Kumbhalgrah fort. The minister has further sanctioned Rs one crore in the first phase of special conservation, restoration of the Kumbhalgrah fort and Rs 5 lakh for the immediate restoration of the particular room, where Maharana Pratap was born. The minister has also asked the additional director general (ADG) - central public works department (CPWD) to prepare a special estimate for the restoration of Badal Mahal, in order to set up a library, documentation and interpretation centre and health care unit, besides a lounge to facilitate tourists and a small-size museum.

The next on line is the restoration of the Jain temples for which Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned. However for the Chittaurgrah fort complex, Jagmohan has announced an Rs 1 crore fifty lakh for the upgradation and restoration of the two main complexes of Jain temples. In addition, Rs one crore has been approved for the maintenance of the Ranakpura temple complex.